Headlines (Campus Updates)

Laurier launches Strategic Investment Fund

Wilfrid Laurier University is committed to supporting the very best initiatives that support student success, improve academic and administrative operations, and further the university’s mission.

During Laurier’s 2010-11 budget process, 0.5 percent of base funds were reallocated to establish a new Strategic Investment Fund. This fund provides $730,000 this fiscal year to support initiatives that strengthen and enhance the university’s academic and administrative operations, and which align with Laurier’s new Academic Plan and the University’s statement of Values, Vision, Mission and Guiding Principles.

"It is essential that we provide opportunities for new ideas to take root at Laurier,” said president and vice-chancellor Dr. Max Blouw. “We want to purposefully augment and develop our academic programs, support student success, and improve administrative operations in ways that clearly align with the University's mission. The Strategic Investment Fund will provide funding to the very best initiatives as proposed by our faculty and staff.”

The University invites members of the Laurier community to propose initiatives that could be funded through the Strategic Investment Fund. Applications that support our academic mission; improve administrative service and organizational outcomes; contribute to enhanced academic student recruitment, retention and student success; show capacity for sustainability and future development; identify assessment and accountability measures; and have an impact institution-wide and/or a broad impact externally will be favoured.

Application forms can be found by clicking here. Applicants are advised to discuss all applications with their unit supervisors (deans, university librarian, assistant/associate vice-presidents, directors and equivalents). The deadline for submitting applications is Sept. 14, 2010. All applications will be evaluated by the University’s Vice-Presidents and President and allocation decisions will be announced to the Laurier community by early October.

The Strategic Investment Fund is distinct from the President’s Innovation Seed Fund, a separate initiative launched in 2009 to support innovative proposals that generate new revenue for the university and/or reduce operating costs.